Switching to a non-toxic lifestyle made easy

As we usher in the new year of 2024, it’s the perfect time to make a fresh start and prioritize your health and well-being. One powerful way to do this is by transitioning to a non-toxic lifestyle. Non-toxic living involves making conscious choices to reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals found in everyday products and, instead, embracing a healthier, more environmentally friendly way of life. In this blog post, we’ll explore what non-toxic living means, highlight the chemicals you should avoid, and provide practical tips to make this switch budget-friendly.

What is Non-Toxic Living?

Non-toxic living is all about making informed decisions that help you avoid or minimize exposure to harmful chemicals commonly found in household products, personal care items, and even your food. The goal is to create a safe and healthy living environment for you and your family. Let’s take a quick look at the chemicals we want to avoid.

Chemicals to avoid:

1. Parabens: Often used in cosmetics and personal care products, parabens are linked to hormone disruption. Look for paraben-free alternatives.
2. Phthalates: These chemicals are found in many fragranced products and can interfere with hormone function. Choose phthalate-free options, especially in air fresheners, fragrances, and cosmetics.
3. Bisphenol A (BPA): Found in some plastics, BPA can leach into food and beverages. Opt for BPA-free or glass containers.
4. Formaldehyde: A common preservative in personal care products, formaldehyde can be an allergen and irritant. Choose formaldehyde-free options, and consider natural alternatives.
5. Perfluorinated Chemicals (PFCs): Often found in non-stick cookware, PFCs have been linked to various health issues. Opt for stainless steel or cast-iron cookware.
6. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): Common in personal care products like shampoo, SLS can be irritating to the skin and eyes. Seek out SLS-free alternatives.

A great resource to help you on your non-toxic journey is the environmental working group app. It’s a non-profit that has the goal of helping people live their healthiest lives. The app has various free resources from PDFs about the toxins to avoid, a product database to make sure your personal care products are non-toxic, etc. The EWG app is by far the best resource I have found for non-toxic living. Almost any question you have can be answered on the app! Check it out by clicking here.

Making the switch to non-toxic living cost effective

1. Prioritize Essentials: I would start by replacing items that are either directly applied to your body or hold food that will go into your body. It’s a personal choice to either start with personal care products or cookware. Both are smart choices and if it wasn’t for the huge upfront cost I would say start with both. At least with personal care products, you can finish out what you’re using and then purchase a non-toxic option. These small changes can have a significant impact on reducing your overall toxin exposure. In my opinion are the most important swaps to make to not put toxins on or in your body.
2. DIY Solutions: Consider making your cleaning products and personal care items like toothpaste and deodorant. Basic ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils can go a long way. Check out our post on “Non-toxic cleaners recipes” for my favorite natural cleaners that really work.
3. Buy in Bulk: Purchase non-toxic products in bulk when possible to reduce packaging waste and save money in the long run.
4. Seek Sales and Discounts: Keep an eye out for sales, discounts, and coupons for non-toxic products. Online retailers often offer deals on eco-friendly items. Also if you don’t have ibotta go download it. It’s a rebate app where you can get your money back by scanning your receipt. There are new deals each week all you have to do is add the deal, purchase the product, scan your receipt, and at $20 you can cash out via PayPal!
5. Choose Multi-Purpose Products: Opt for versatile items that can serve multiple purposes. For instance, coconut oil can be used for cooking, moisturizing, and hair care. Dr. Bronners is another great example of an item that can be used for numerous things. It’s an 18-1 soap that can be used for body wash all the way to dish soap.
6. Conduct a Home Audit: Evaluate your current products, and replace them gradually as they run out. This minimizes waste and spreads out the cost over time.
7. Embrace Second-Hand Shopping: Thrift stores and online marketplaces can be great sources for non-toxic, gently used items like glass containers and kitchenware.
8. Educate Yourself: Learn about ingredients, so you can make informed decisions. The more you know, the better equipped you are to make cost-effective choices.
9. Resources: Check out some of our other post about non-toxic living!

• “Non-toxic kitchen swaps”
• “Why switch to non-toxic living?”

Switching to a non-toxic lifestyle in 2024 doesn’t have to be expensive or overwhelming. By understanding what non-toxic living means, identifying the chemicals to avoid, and implementing cost-effective strategies, you can gradually transition to a healthier and more eco-conscious way of life. Remember, every small change you make brings you one step closer to a safer and more sustainable future. Cheers to a non-toxic and thriving 2024!